“What’s Ed’s Problem???”

We were doing so well and then this week we had a few problems. Although we did have our weekly Caffrey Moment it was overshadowed by something much more serious.

But first, I’ll begin by outlining the tone of the rehearsal. As we finished each tune I would begin asking each song member if they felt that there were any problems that they might like to address. Most of the time I received the same answer, “It’s all good!” or “Fine...” I would then quietly ask one of the song members (one who I felt would give it to me straight) if they felt so good about the tune that they could confidently go on stage at that very moment and play the tune without any regrets. What I received this time was broken eye contact as they looked to the floor, ceiling or wherever searching for an answer.

Second, song forms—at this stage of the game—should not be a problem any more. What does this tell me? That some of you aren’t practicing your songs throughout the week and probably haven’t even listened to your songs since you were first assigned them. (Ask yourselves, when was the last time that I listened to my tunes?) We should be working on polishing up endings, overall sound balance, stage presence, and dynamics. Instead, we’re trying to make it through the tunes to not embarrass ourselves.

Third, performance. Sitting down, looking out the window, and missing cues from band mates is simply unacceptable. The only musicians that do that are those that other musicians do not want to play with. I know that summer is coming, it’s nice out and it’s Saturday, but we have 6 hours of rehearsal left and 25 tunes to rehearse. If you’re not going to work at home then you’re going to have to work at rehearsal. Or, you’re going to have a long night when you’re trying to make it to the end of the tune without screwing up on show night—and, that’s not fun. You work at home then that work shows at rehearsal AND then the show is a lot of fun.

Fourth, lyrics. The lyric deadline was May 1st with the exception of a couple of tunes that were assigned later. I can hear when the singers are mumbling their lyrics and still see some of you using the book. How can you sing with feeling when you’re searching for the next lyric? What does this tell me? You’re not working at home. At this point—and this goes for everyone—there is nothing that your teachers or an additional lesson can do. You have to put the time and effort in. Being on stage is a privilege and people are counting on you.

Finally, all of the above could be the reasons behind “Ed’s Problem” but they are not. That is the price that every music director pays for being the music director. The following was my problem: the lack of respect, the cutesy comments, the bad attitudes, the blaming of your parts not being ready on your teachers, etc. I hear what’s being said when I race through the lobby from one rehearsal room to the next. I try to treat you like adults and this week you reminded me that you are children which is why I chastised you like children. If you remember back to week one my first speech was about respecting yourselves and each other. That did not fully happen this week and it was only a few of you and you should know better.

The previous two weeks went well because we all pulled together. This week, a few ruined it for everyone. I have told you all that I expect more from you because I know that you are capable of it. Your performance this week was disappointing.

See you next Saturday,Ed